[richjthorpe]

Hi guys,

I'll be ripping into the bathroom sometime this year and was wondering about fitting an LCD screen maybe. One of the questions is, would I need planning permission to install an LCD TV in a bathroom if the plug socket is outside of the bathroom (Through a stud wall) ?

Any ideas ?

Thanks,

Richie.

[Roguey]

really dont think you can do that - i might be wrong. I thought u wasnt allowed any mains into a bathroom, and the TFT would have an internal power supply with 240v input which is dangerousness for starters.

the second thing is that an TFT wouldnt like being in a room with that much moisture. The electronics will be covered in dampness and i dont think the screen likes it either. Just looked at my 19" TFT manual, and it says "only use in low moisture rooms".

Unless you either box it up in a case, then you be worried about the screen getting hot, so you have to cool it someway or get a screen designed to be used outside (if they made them)

I've seen screens in the HC press installed in bathrooms - usually fitted in amongst the tiling so there must be specialized designs you can buy. I bet they're not cheap though

Hatch

I doubt you'd need pp.

[theendisnye]

It has been done before - you can buy specialist screens such as
http://www.letsautomate.com/11001.cfm?
and it isn't cheap.


but some people have just done their own thing look on the uk home automation mailing list at yahoo.

Steve

[hornydragon]

you can just builit behind a perspex screen, or buy a "tilevision" or "aquavision" TV aquavision are £1500+ for a 15"

[inzaman]

TV aquavision are £1500+ for a 15"

I am sure it will look ace, but to spend that you would have to think about spending some serious time in the bath

[Roguey]

thats one big boat ya have to buy for it

[AVmaster]

Having mains in the bathroom in not a neccessity BTW, as most LCD TV's work off an AC adaptor and there require much lower voltage inputs. This means that you can feed the PSU cable through a hole into the bathroom allowing you to keep the PSU in another room/hallway etc.

[Roguey]

well all my TFT's/LCD TV's i have all have interal power supplies

[AVmaster]

It's probably different with some manufacturers though as all Panasonic's below 26" have external PSUs.

[hornydragon]

smaller sharp22" and under are external too as are the special bathroom units.......(need to think about sound too normal speakers wont work fom behind perspex)

while a normal LCD will work in a bathroom behind a screen for one in the shower or similar, end of bath the specialis ones are better (flaoting remotes , waterproof and steam resistant speakers etc)

[AMc]

http://www.sunbritetv.com/

No idea of pricing or UK suppliers but worth watching the demo video.

[Mango Bob]

I was plotting something similar but haven't got round to it yet.

Fit a (large) piece of semi-silvered mirror into a hole over an internal wall and seal properly. You can install the LCD in the wall-space (with ventilation on other side of wall) and it's outside the bathroom, but visible. When the TV is off it will look like a mirror, when the TV is on it should show through providing you get the amount of light right on both sides of the mirror.

Cost to you is one normal LCD and having someone smart enough to knock a hole in the wall and seal it all up professionally. Let us know how you get on!

Heating the glass will stop condensation (but add heat to where the LCD is), in-ceiling bathroom speakers would be good for sound...no idea if you can buy waterproof remotes separately, I doubt clingfilm would cope

[Roguey]

wouldnt that cost more than an LCD designed for a bathroom? or i am losing the point?

[Mango Bob]

Not when you're already getting your bathroom done! And you can fit any size LCD, upgrade when you want to etc.

[hornydragon]

Originally Posted by Mango Bob

I was plotting something similar but haven't got round to it yet.

Fit a (large) piece of semi-silvered mirror into a hole over an internal wall and seal properly. You can install the LCD in the wall-space (with ventilation on other side of wall) and it's outside the bathroom, but visible. When the TV is off it will look like a mirror, when the TV is on it should show through providing you get the amount of light right on both sides of the mirror.

Cost to you is one normal LCD and having someone smart enough to knock a hole in the wall and seal it all up professionally. Let us know how you get on!

Heating the glass will stop condensation (but add heat to where the LCD is), in-ceiling bathroom speakers would be good for sound...no idea if you can buy waterproof remotes separately, I doubt clingfilm would cope

That is a spot on description of an Aquavision TV mate even down to the mirror finish option.........

[Johnny Thunder]

You must be careful putting electricity into a bathroom.
Just because it is 12v, does not mean it is OK.
I feel another browse through the regs coming on........

Johnny.

[gaz]

would using one meant for instalation in a car be any better ie:7"-8" lilliput
http://www.carcomputer.co.uk/touchscreen/

[Roguey]

i cant see why 12v would be un-safe. however the TFT needs to be sealed up to stop moisture from getting into the electronics so an car TFT would be no better than an normal LCD TV, unless its designed to take water on it. however I cant see why car TFT would be designed to take water, as a car doesnt go in/under water.

You either need to put it in a sealed box with ventition or get the right TFT to start with. its probably why you dont see many people with TFT in bathrooms, the cost. Good idea althou

[Johnny Thunder]

The problem is with the supply.
If you look at a shaver socket, it is supplied with 240v.
But, it has a special transformer inside, known as an isolating transformer.
This system is called SELV-separated extra low voltage.
If a normal transformer breaks down critically, it could possibly pass 240v straight through the windings. Isolating transformers do not do this, they break
down open circuit. It does not matter where the transformer is situated, its the
type of transformer that is the problem.
A very simplified explanation.............

Johnny.

Hi All,

I worked in IT for 5 years before going to work for our family bathroom showroom.

Yes its true that you cannot have mains supply in the bathroom (take underfloor heating for example, the thermostat control has to be situated outside). But you are allowed to do it with 12V IF the unit is SEALED. Take a look at IP65 and IP68 guides for spot lights in a bathroom.

I am shortly going to try and install a TFT (32in) in my bathroom. I'm going to stick it in a stud wall (inside a perspect housing, with a rubber 'o' seal for the power cord) and then stick a thick peice of glass in front of the TFT, 2-3in's work. This gets around the problem of condensation (also purchase laminate glass).

Hope this helps people.

Cheers

Carl

[Johnny Thunder]

Originally Posted by carlosbrunos

Hi All,

I worked in IT for 5 years before going to work for our family bathroom showroom.

Yes its true that you cannot have mains supply in the bathroom (take underfloor heating for example, the thermostat control has to be situated outside). But you are allowed to do it with 12V IF the unit is SEALED. Take a look at IP65 and IP68 guides for spot lights in a bathroom.

I am shortly going to try and install a TFT (32in) in my bathroom. I'm going to stick it in a stud wall (inside a perspect housing, with a rubber 'o' seal for the power cord) and then stick a thick peice of glass in front of the TFT, 2-3in's work. This gets around the problem of condensation (also purchase laminate glass).

Hope this helps people.

Cheers

Carl

You need to be very careful with the advice you are giving Carlos.

Johnny.

Hi Jonny,

Cheers 4 that, the advice I gave was based on what 5 of our manufactures recommend concerning electrical connections within the bathroom. Your info is invaluable.

Even with the type of transformer you mention, you would still have to have a sealed unit though, that I definatley know.

Can you purchase these transformers and do a conv. or is it a no go area?

Cheers

[Johnny Thunder]

Carlos,
Your method sounds fine. Sealing the display behind a clear screen,
which is built into a stud wall, means the display is not within the zones.
But, if the stud wall has become an "airing cupboard", and access to the rear
connections is possible from within the bathroom, then all precautions regarding
wiring regs. apply.

For bonding in bathroom, check out THIS PDF.

The diagrams in question are approx. 3/4 down the page. They are not great
quality, but if you look closely, you can see the connections required.
There are diagrams for metal, and plastic pipe installations.

Any more questions, fire away............

Johnny.

Hi guys!
I am planning to instal a PC in my bathroom and I would need some suggestions!
I would dig in the wall and install an LM919 (http://www.aoc-europe.com/monitors_lm919.html) LCD monitor. I would install the power adapter (12VDC 6A) outside the bathroom and run the cable through a plastic conduit to the place where the monitor will be installed. The PC will be installed in another room and I will use an AB KVM splitter in order to be able to use that PC both at the bathroom and the room where it is located just by selecting on the Switch A or B. The VGA cable will be run through the same or different conduit just like the power cable. I will also install a fan to bring cool air from outside to the monitor. Two marine speakers (http://www.onlinecarstereo.com/CarAu...oductID=14640), the Boss MR50W will be installed on the wall and will be connected to the sound amplifier which the PC is connected to. I found a waterfroof keyboard on eBay for around 20USD that I will be able to use inside the bathroom. I will use the Accessibility options of windows in order to use the mousekeys of the keyboard to control the mouse pointer. The keyboard will be attached on a board in order to float on the water. I forgot to mention that I am searching for a fog-free glass to install in front of the LCD monitor.
Any ideas /suggestions are welcomed!

[Johnny Thunder]

Could you possibly come up with a diagram of the layout of the bathroom.
If you could, put on it position of bath, basin, shower, toilet etc.
Also, put on all dimensions, including height of ceiling.
Indicate also, where you plan to install the PC equipment.
We will see if we can help you.

Johnny.

[Johnny Thunder]

You are in the U.K mate?

Johnny.

[ReTrO]

Originally Posted by hornydragon

you can just builit behind a perspex screen, or buy a "tilevision" or "aquavision" TV aquavision are £1500+ for a 15"

Series 2 is £1,400 for 15", £1,750 for 17".

All use a switch-mode PSU, outputting 12v DC @ 5A.

Keep your main power well away from any water, it's not worth the risk.